JESSICA Thielmann (City of Newcastle) endured a tough baptism in the latest meeting on the World Cup swimming circuit in Berlin.

Swimming for Great Britain in her first foray into this feast of short-course swimming, the 15-year-old held her own.

In an event where 15 new world records were broken this was a very severe test of resolve, but Thielmann stood proud in the 400m individual medley – turning in her best figures of 4-47.01 to finish 12th.

She went on to clock 8-42.41 for the 800m freestyle and 4-15.24 for the 400m freestyle.

Thielmann said: “It was so different from swimming at home, where I know all the swimmers I am up against.

“In Berlin I did not know how they were going to swim or their tactics. I have learnt a lot, though, and look forward to the next time.”

Meanwhile, at Sheffield the British University and Colleges Short Course Championships began with Rachael Wilson winning the 100m breaststroke in 1-10.00.

The Derwentside swimmer, competing for Northumbria University, also took bronze medals in both the 50m breaststroke with 32.65 and the 200m breaststroke with 2-34.99.

William Jolly (Newcastle University) was also in the medals with silver in the 1500m freestyle.

Jolly, who trains with the City of Newcastle club, led for 1300m of the race and was just overtaken to finish in 15-32.33.

Clubmate Amy Jessett also from Newcastle University, came home sixth in the 200m freestyle in a personal best time of 2-06.33 and was also seventh in the 400m freestyle with 4-27.80.

Also sixth for Newcastle University was Caroline Brady in the 100m backstroke with 1-06.52 and ninth in the 100m freestyle in 1-00.26.

Another Newcastle University swimmer Lisa Tomlinson was seventh in the 200m individual medley with 2-32.74.

Durham University’s Tom Bill came eighth in the 50m backstroke in 27.14 and James Benson was 10th in the 200m butterfly in 2-07.54.